Repurposing Construction Waste into Sediment Control

At Stratex, our commitment to environmental stewardship drives us to continually explore innovative ways to develop products that prevent pollution and reduce our ecological footprint. We’re dedicated to empowering others to protect the environment by supplying high-quality and effective pollution control solutions. This article looks into how we achieved these goals by transforming construction waste into 100% recycled silt socks.

What is a Silt Sock?

A silt sock serves as a simple yet effective sediment and erosion control method. It consists of a fabric mesh sleeve filled with rocks or gravel, and these socks are strategically placed in and around stormwater drains and gutters. Their purpose is to protect waterways and silt and sediment from leaving worksites during heavy rain. Let’s explore how we converted this conventional solution into an environmentally friendly and socially responsible product.

Mesh Diverted from Landfill

Commonly seen on civil construction projects, temporary fence banner mesh, or ‘gawk screen,’ is unfortunately not recyclable. Typically destined for landfill at the end of a project or if damaged, Stratex takes a different approach by repurposing this waste mesh to manufacture recycled silt sock sleeves.

To make recycled silt socks, first we collect used gawk screen from our civil construction partners. Adam Shilliday from Southern Program Alliance (SPA) says, “Here at SPA we’re always looking for innovative ways to reduce our environmental impact, whether that be from the materials used on site to the sediment controls we place around site. We’re proud to partner with Stratex to introduce Australia’s first 100% recycled silt sock made from gawk screen.”

Recycled & Superior Aggregate

In a departure from traditional silt socks filled with gravel and rock, our recycled silt socks take sustainability to the next level by using reclaimed aggregate as filling material which is sourced from our circular waste partners Repurpose It. This not only produces less dust compared to alternatives like scoria but also disrupts the landfill waste stream.

Hydrocarbon Filter Available

The Recycled Silt Sock is also available with an additional hydrocarbon filter to absorb oil hydrocarbon sheen from road surfaces. This is achieved with a layer of Spilltration Husky material sewn into the sleeve. The material absorbs the hydrocarbon oily sheen while allowing water to flow through. Spilltration Husky material is made from 100% recycled post consumer waste.

Repurpose with Purpose

Manufactured in Australia, our recycled silt socks are produced in collaboration with a local social enterprise, Assembled Threads. This partnership not only ensures high-quality products but also provides meaningful employment opportunities for individuals from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

A Circular Economy in Action

To wrap things up, our recycled silt socks aren’t just about sediment control. They also reflect our commitment towards finding innovative and sustainable ways to protect the environment. We’re taking mesh banners and reclaimed aggregate from construction sites, away from landfill and giving them a second life. In addition to this, we’re utilising social enterprise for production and supporting workers from CALD backgrounds. We’re also excited to share that we’re working on an end of life product to make recycled silt socks truly circular.

So when you spot one of our 100% recycled silt socks on a construction site, know that it’s not just sediment control. It’s a small part of our mission to shake up the way we deal with waste, cut down on raw materials, and do the right thing – Because at Stratex providing protection for our environment is what we’re all about.